Spring has officially sprung and that means it’s time to think about what can be done around the house. From weeding and replanting the garden to de-cluttering the garage to perhaps some major overhauls to your home and property, now’s the time to consider what you’d like to upgrade and what it will take to do so.

We’ve compiled a list to help readers get started on all those projects, from new gardening techniques and tips to services to help with home improvements to where to buy that perfect accent for the home or garden.

Whether you’re looking for a new strategy for how to get the most out of your garden space or just searching for a different approach to gardening, look no further than the feature on a revolutionary new way to plant herbs, vegetables and flowers, conceived by one of our own locals.

Perhaps you don’t need to tear down walls or build new ones to upgrade your space, but you’re looking for that little something special that will freshen your home. Check out our section on home décor and gifts for accents that can make a room or garden seem new.

Whatever you do to renew your space this spring, remember to support your local businesses. It will put some spring in their step and yours!

— Kendra Hartmann

Gardening one foot at a time

When Mel Bartholomew retired from his career as a consulting civil engineer in 1975, he decided to take up gardening in his free time. As he worked to till and fertilize the soil in long rows, only to plant seeds in a relatively small area of the plot, he wondered what the logic behind the system was.

“I’m not a trained horticulturalist,” Bartholomew said. “But I wondered if there was a way we could do this better.”

Bartholomew started devising a new system for space-efficient planting a growing, and came up with the phenomenon known as Square Foot Gardening. Essentially a garden in a box, the practice calls for a 4-foot-by-4-foot box, divided into 16 square-foot plots. Each plot can contain a different crop, with seeds planted in groups of 1, 4, 9 or 16, depending on mature plant size.

The technique was particularly useful in Utah, where Bartholomew lived when he started Square Foot Gardening. The local soil made growing difficult, and Square Foot Gardening allowed for the use of perfect soil while not limiting gardeners to small pots. It also brought gardening back to those who had to give it up due to limited mobility: gardeners who had trouble working the soil on their knees could now easily reach a gardening box raised to hip level.

Bartholomew, who now lives in La Jolla, has been bringing his gardening phenomenon — for which he has published his best-selling book, “All New Square Foot Gardening” — to the rest of the world, hoping to help end world hunger by giving disenfranchised communities the means to grow their own food with his Square Foot Gardening Foundation.

For those looking to grow their own Square Foot Garden, check out Bartholomew’s website, www.squarefootgardening.org for tips and tricks on getting started.

In the meantime, look for more gardening hints from Bartholomew in future editions of La Jolla TODAY!

— Kendra Hartmann

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

La Jolla Landscape and Design offers a variety of services to maintain and customize yards of any size and style. Its staff is knowledgeable and experienced, and specializes in services that keep plants healthy and beautiful. It offers landscape maintenance and tree service for yard upkeep, but it also provides design and installation. The designers consider a number of factors, including climate, topography and groundwater recharge to ensure a quality landscape. They make sure the design works in harmony with the property’s architecture and geography. In addition to plants, the company also handles building projects like decks and lighting.

www.lajollalandscapeanddesign.com

(858) 220-3138

Focused on environmentally friendly practices, Revolution Landscape provides sustainable landscape design, construction and maintenance. Its mission goes beyond aesthetics, and makes sure its designs conserve water, save energy and support native plants. It offers everything from weeding and upkeep to harvesting and composting. For projects big and small, Revolution Landscape determines the most energy efficient designs that incorporate natural sunlight and water retention. Its landscape services are great for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while growing a variety of fresh, sustainable fruits and vegetables.

www.revolutionlandscape.com

7514 Girard Ave. Ste. 1507

(858) 775-1805

Garner Wichmann Dean landscape architects work with clients on projects that incorporate a harmony of plants and stonework. From the beginning, architects determine the budget, analyze the property’s zoning regulations and prepare the master plan in order to coordinate the designers and client. The designers have vast experience with landscape architecture in San Diego, and can help create the perfect design for any La Jolla property.

www.gwdla.com

405 Via Del Norte Studio C

(858) 459-9220

HOME IMPROVEMENT

In 1948, Nackey Scripps Meanley, a niece of Ellen B. Scripps, along with her husband, Tom, and son William opened Meanley & Son ACE Hardware. The store carries items for home improvement projects of every size. It has electrical and plumbing supplies for big projects, Mythic Paint for a non-toxic paint job and every tool to get the work done. For those looking to improve what ends up on the kitchen table, Meanley & Son carries gourmet cookware for any aspiring chef.

www.meanleys.com

7756 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-4017

Armstrong Builders, run by local Tom Armstrong, was first formed in 1983 behind Armstrong’s house in Pacific Beach. From that tiny office the business grew, and Armstrong Builders has since designed or built some of the most beautiful projects in San Diego, including several award winners. Armstrong, who has been working in the industry since age 15, focuses on coastal homes and often includes green concepts in his designs.

www.armstrongbuilt.com

755 Turqouise St.

(858) 488-2825

Serving La Jolla for more than 25 years, Grunow Construction specializes in custom home remodels, historic preservation and new home construction, as well as offering a full range of home repair services. The team collaborates with independent design professionals and their own licensed in-house architect to give them the ability to interface constructively with clients’ designers by assisting in the drafting of details on waterproofing and structural items.

grunowconstruction.com

1121 Torrey Pines Road

(858) 459-8742

Golba Architecture specializes in award-winning residential and commercial architectural designs, as well as a wide array of rehabilitation and restoration work throughout all of San Diego and Southern California. The company pride itself on project delivery, which includes expertise in such areas as virtual-reality computer modeling through sustainable design to repair programs for deferred maintenance & construction defects.

www.golba.com

1940 Garnet Ave.

(619) 231-9905

HOME DECOR

MOS My Own Space specializes in modern home designs. It carries furniture, accessories, rugs and accents to overhaul any room. The showroom’s furniture sets are simple, functional, stylish and built to last. With a variety of intricate rugs and glass lighting fixtures, clients can add their personal taste and touch to their home. The My Own Space website makes home decorating easy and allows customers to explore, design and order products online.

www.mosmyownspace.com

7722-A Girard Ave.

(858) 459-0099

Inspired by La Jolla’s coastal atmosphere, Seaside Home offers casual, but elegant furniture and home accessories. Its showroom displays collections from a wide variety of lines from all over the world including places like Italy, Patagonia and Peru. Everything from crystal chandeliers and lighting to bath linens and fine china creates a beautiful, coastal atmosphere in any room. Seaside Home also offers interior design services to help with any project.

www.seaside-home.com

1055 Wall St.

(858) 454-0866

Everett Stunz has specialized in bedroom and bath products for about 50 years. It imports lines from six different countries, and it is the only San Diego supplier of the DUX bed. Its interior designers personalize designs and products for homes and yachts. With a huge selection of sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows and beds, Everett Stunz has something for every client’s personal taste and perfect bedroom.

www.everettstunz.com

7616 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-3305

Inspired by the culture and style of Marseille, Cote Sud imports linens, ceramics, dinnerware and accessories from all over Europe. The products feature vibrant colors and floral-inspired designs that can give any room a warm, spring feel. Most of the linens and dishware are not only beautiful, but also durable and easy to wash. As the weather warms and the sun lingers into the evening, a La Jolla patio can feel like the South of France.

www.cotesudlajolla.com

1145 Prospect St.

(858) 551-5125

Hydrangea Cove offers unique home and garden accessories with a beach cottage style. Customers can create a leisurely, welcoming atmosphere with vintage decor. A true beach cottage has a personality, and Hydrangea Cove knows that comes with attention to detail. It allows customers to shop for a personal touch with items likes books and jewelry.

www.hydrangeacove.com

929 Turquoise St.

(858) 750-3567

Patina Gift Store has all the finishing touches for a home redecorating project. Its wide selection of home and garden gifts is the perfect way to adorn and accent a newly designed room. With items ranging from glassware, dinnerware and bath products to art pieces, pottery and candles, it’s possible to customize every room. It fills its shelves with seasonal items, and recently received some colorful, spring-inspired plates and handmade olive wood pieces.

www.patinagiftstore.com

957 Turquoise St.

(858) 488-4488

Interior designer Kathleen Buoymaster has served the community since 1985 with a focus on high-end residential and corporate design. Services include programming, space planning, design development, design documents and procurement of products. The company has built relationships with vendors and design centers around the world, sourcing from vendors in the Far East, Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, New York, London and Italy.

www.kathleenbuoymaster.com

6933 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 456-2850

Guest view>> Secret Garden Tour is back

by Linda Marrone

As a co-founder of the Secret Garden Tour, I can’t believe it is blossoming into its 15th year. The tour has become a much-anticipated perennial event that gives guests the privilege to wander though the garden gates and enjoy some of La Jolla’s most cherished private gardens.

This year’s tour will take place on Saturday, May 18 and it promises to be another memorable event with not only enjoy beautiful gardens, but also artists at work painting garden scenes, designers’ imaginative entertaining displays and live music. Following tradition, the secret garden locations will be revealed on tour day when guests pick up their programs and map at historic Wisteria Cottage.

Guests can choose between the self-guided tour or the Platinum Tour. The Platinum Tour begins with a scrumptious brunch and visitors are taken by shuttle with docent guides. Plan to make your reservations early because admission is limited and the tour has been known to sell out.

For information or reservations, call the La Jolla Historical Society at (858) 459-5335 or visit www.lajollahistory.org.